I have been using an arrow antenna with two ht's for a couple of years on AO-27.
It works great. I recommend the "split boom" option. This version will break down into
about 24 in. long and about 2 in. in diameter. Great for travel, even backpacking.
As far as using the Icom W32 for satellite communications, it like any HT will work.
All you need to do is be able to receive on 70 cm and transmit on 2 meters. If you
are going to use a dual band radio with the arrow antenna, get the duplexer option,
you will need it. Honestly I am surprised that Icom said using a gain antenna might
overload the front end since the sat. signals are rather low level. MUCH weaker than
most repeaters...
If interested, on my web page is a photo of my portable satellite station, and me
working the AO-27 satellite on the shores of lake Erie...
http://www.qsl.net/wb8erj -- Mike WB8ERJ